In principle, ISO 9000 is completely comprehensive, and does lay down requirements for Quality Assurance Systems for any organization.

However, ISO 9000 does not prescribe specific details for "special processes" which are processes where the quality of the product of the process cannot be fully guaranteed by post process inspection, e.g. welding where even non-destructive testing after welds have been completed cannot ensure that the correct materials were used, the correct edge preparation was used, the correct welding procedure was followed, etc, all of which could have a significant effect upon the subsequent performance of the weld itself. Therefore, ISO 3834 was developed to identify all the factors that could affect the quality of the welded product, and which need to be properly controlled at all stages before and during welding.

Whereas ISO 9000 requires that process control procedures must be developed and applied, ISO 3834 goes further by requiring that the individuals concerned are properly qualified, trained and experienced and supervised by a competent welding management organization.

Many of the elements of ISO 9000, e.g. contract review, planning, equipment, procedural documentation, inspection records, calibration are required by ISO 3834 but ISO 3834 requires that these elements are specifically considered from the aspect of their effects upon the organization's ability to comply with the welding requirements of the product.

ISO 9000 requires a fully documented quality manual and procedures, whereas ISO 3834 requires documented procedures only where factors that could affect the quality of the weld are involved, e.g. welder approval, welding consumable and material records, Weld Procedure approvals, production work instructions, Inspection schedules and results.

Thus, this does afford some flexibility to companies who may be able to demonstrate they have adequately controlled systems without full documentation. This is more likely to be relevant at the elementary or standard level than at the comprehensive level.

Companies who already have ISO 9000 will already have fully documented systems, and therefore on the face of it will be able to comply With ISO 3834 comparatively easily. However, even they must review their systems to ensure that the welding significance aspects of each element are properly considered and controlled by a welding management organization that complies with ISO 3834.

Benefits

• Production control.

• Quality and costs control of your welded fabrication, construction or maintenance.

• To ensure the health and safety of your employees.